Richard Gottfried retires after 52 years in the NY Assembly

The longest-serving state lawmaker in New York history will hang it up at the end of the month.

Assemblymember Richard Gottfried, who represented parts of Midtown Manhattan and the West Side in the state Assembly for more than five decades, chose not to seek re-election this year, putting an end to a career that first saw him win office in 1970. For 50 years Gottfried has seen Albany lawmakers rise and fall, the balance of power shift, and legislative agendas that have impacted millions of New Yorkers.

“When I announced my candidacy, the Beatles were still together,” he said. “By the time I got to Albany, I think they were gone.”

Gottfried sat down for an exit interview with WNYC's Albany reporter Jon Campbell. For more, visit Gothamist.com.